Jennell Jaquays

Overview

Jennell Jaquays, born Paul Jaquays, was a highly influential figure in the world of game design, video game artistry, and illustration, particularly within the tabletop role-playing game (RPG) sphere. Her groundbreaking work, characterized by innovative dungeon design and a unique artistic style, left an indelible mark on the industry. This timeline highlights key moments in her life and career, showcasing her contributions and lasting legacy.

Main Milestones

Birth

October 14, 1956

Paul Jaquays was born on October 14, 1956. While details about her early childhood are somewhat scarce, this marked the beginning of a life that would profoundly impact the landscape of gaming and art.

Early TSR Work: The Dungeoneer and Beyond

Late 1970s

Jaquays began making a name for herself in the tabletop gaming world in the late 1970s. She initially contributed to the zine "The Dungeoneer" with innovative and challenging adventure designs, and became known for her non-linear dungeon layouts and emphasis on player choice. This early work caught the eye of TSR, the creators of "Dungeons & Dragons".

Publication of "Caverns of Thracia"

1979

"Caverns of Thracia", published by Judges Guild, is considered one of Jaquays' most influential adventure modules. Its sprawling, multi-layered dungeon, inspired by Greek mythology, diverged sharply from the linear, monster-filled corridors common in early D&D adventures. Its emphasis on exploration, player agency, and challenging encounters solidified her reputation as an innovative designer.

TSR Staff Designer

Early 1980s

Jaquays joined TSR as a staff designer, contributing to several "Dungeons & Dragons" products and other RPGs. Her work at TSR helped establish a reputation for dynamic and challenging scenarios. However, Jaquays often felt constrained by the creative limitations imposed at TSR and ultimately left to pursue other opportunities.

ColecoVision & Video Game Development

Mid-1980s - Early 1990s

Venturing into the burgeoning video game industry, Jaquays worked as a designer and artist on ColecoVision games. While specific titles and her exact role in each project aren't extensively documented, this period reflects her adaptability and interest in exploring different creative mediums beyond tabletop games. She eventually worked on the game "Amazing Spider-Man" at Paragon Software.

Illustrator and Designer for Various Companies

1990s

Throughout the 1990s, Jaquays worked as a freelance illustrator and designer for numerous game companies. Her skills in artistic design meant she contributed to a vast array of different systems and games, broadening her influence in tabletop gaming.

Transition and Jennell

Late 1990s - Early 2000s

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Paul Jaquays began her transition and publicly came out as Jennell Jaquays. This period marked a significant personal transformation and demonstrated her courage and authenticity. She continued to work in the gaming industry throughout her transition and afterward, becoming an advocate for LGBTQ+ representation and acceptance in the community. She would often describe her own identity as 'gender-gifted'.

Design Work at id Software

2003-2011

Jennell Jaquays joined id Software, the legendary studio behind "Doom" and "Quake", as a level designer. Her contributions to iconic titles like "Quake III Arena", "Doom 3", and "Quake 4" demonstrated her continued relevance and skill in designing compelling and challenging game experiences within the first-person shooter genre. She was often referred to as the 'levelord'.

Design Work at CCP Games

2012-2017

Jaquays worked at CCP Games on the World of Darkness MMO project. Although the project was ultimately cancelled, this role demonstrates her continued engagement with the broader gaming industry and her desire to contribute to ambitious and innovative projects.

Work at Wizards of the Coast and Continued Influence

2017-2024

Jennell joined Wizards of the Coast, returning to the world of "Dungeons & Dragons". She contributed to several fifth edition adventures, including "Waterdeep: Dragon Heist". Her return to D&D, the game that launched her career, was seen as a fitting capstone to her legacy. Even as she battled illness, she remained a respected voice and a continued inspiration to game designers and artists worldwide.

Death

January 10, 2024

Jennell Jaquays passed away on January 10, 2024, after battling an illness. Her death was met with widespread mourning across the gaming community, with many individuals and organizations celebrating her contributions and influence. She left behind a remarkable legacy of innovation, creativity, and courage that will continue to inspire game designers and artists for generations to come.